Principal dies at her desk

Principals feel underprepared

It was not unusual for Laverton School principal Trish Antulov to stay at work until late at night, even on weekends.

So when she did not come home on Sunday before last her husband, John, did not become too concerned until several phone calls went unanswered.

About 10pm, he went to the school, where he found that his wife of 26 years had died at her desk.

Mr Antulov said the long hours she worked had contributed to her high stress levels.

“She just didn’t have time to look after herself properly,” he said.

“She was under a lot of stress and terrible pressure just to be successful in her job.”

The annual Principal Health and Wellbeing Survey, released today, identified unrealistic workloads as the biggest source of stress taking a toll on school leaders.

Report author Philip Riley, from the Australian Catholic University, said most principals worked too many hours to maintain a healthy lifestyle. “On average, 53 per cent of principals worked more than 56 hours per week during term, with 27 per cent working upwards of 61 to 65 hours per week,” he said.

Camera IconLaverton School principal Trish Antunov worked long hours and died at her desk.

WA Primary Principals Association president Ian Anderson said the report confirmed its concerns about increasing job demands, working hours and stress affecting principals.

“Tragically, one of our regional principals passed away recently while working at her desk, at school late on a Sunday night,” he said. “WAPPA strongly believes that something needs to be done to reduce workloads and the need for school principals and deputy principals to work these excessive hours.

“This year, in response to the growing needs to support our members, WAPPA has appointed a wellbeing officer specifically to develop and lead our Wellbeing Strategy.”

Mr Antulov said his wife, who had been principal at Laverton for about two years, was devoted to her profession.

“It was always about the kids,” he said. “She thought every child deserved an education and to learn and achieve the highest level possible.”

“Trish had an incredible talent to teach and make students think they can do it.”

Education Department director general Sharyn O’Neill said while she had only just received the 134-page report late yesterday, everyone knew public school principals worked very hard leading children’s education in an increasingly complex world. “Every principal I’ve met has their students’ learning and wellbeing at the heart of what they do — they are altruistic people dedicated to performing their duties to the best of their ability,” she said. “Like many other professions, being a school leader is not a job that you can switch off from easily ... principals are juggling priorities including curriculum, pastoral care, facilities, the needs of their staff and expectations from parents.

“We are doing everything we can within our resources ... we rolled out a new health and wellbeing program last year and we will continue.”